I know this topic has been discussed here a lot, but I've done a lot of research and want to get a few things straight.

The middle joints of my pointer and middle fingers of both hands are swollen and somewhat stiff. Basically what is pictured here is what my hands look like, maybe less extreme: http://www.rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1791576;search_string=inflammation;#1791576

Some tenderness/pain when I push on or massage the joints. Middle fingers won't touch palm when in a crimp/claw-like position.

Things I've tried to recover:

No climbing (for about two weeks now) Stretching (especially extensor exercises and this http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en-GB&gl=AU&v=IMO__OrzM_U) Massaging the joints (though usually results in more tenderness) Arnica cream Contrast baths

I've also started taking supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM) to prevent this from happening in the future.

Short of going to see a doctor, is there anything else I should be doing? Anything here I shouldn't be? I've heard stretching might not be good for you? Also is it okay if my joints pop/crack when I do stretch?

Thanks, just trying to confirm/consolidate a lot of the info I've gathered.

Some tenderness/pain when I push on or massage the joints. Middle fingers won't touch palm when in a crimp/claw-like position.

Things I've tried to recover:

No climbing (for about two weeks now) Stretching (especially extensor exercises and this http://www.youtube.com/...U&v=IMO__OrzM_U)Massaging the joints (though usually results in more tenderness) Arnica cream Contrast baths

I've also started taking supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM) to prevent this from happening in the future.

Short of going to see a doctor, is there anything else I should be doing? Anything here I shouldn't be? I've heard stretching might not be good for you? Also is it okay if my joints pop/crack when I do stretch?

Thanks, just trying to confirm/consolidate a lot of the info I've gathered.

Made clicky, just to make it easy.

You are applying forces to the connective tissue of your fingers which is in excess of the tensile strength of those structures. The resulting instability has caused inflammation of your joints, which is, by definition, arthritis.

Relative rest is indicated. If you were in my clinic, I would not likely have you stretch until the pain and swelling decreases quite a bit.

If i were to recommend any type of supplement: get SuperCissus RX. I have had tendonitis in my elbows for years. My right elbow healed naturally, taking more than a year. While my left has been bugging me for over a year now. I went to the doctors, got some shots, ice, stretch, fish oils, and many other things. But As soon I started taking SuperCissus RX my tendonitis is practically gone. it's been over a week and the pain is completely gone. From what I gathered Cissus is a plant that has a natural anti-inflammatory response and it also heals the area of trouble rather than just masking the pain. I'd give Cissus a definite try for joint issues.

There's no points to be scored and I assumed those who give a shit can type msm in wikipedia and form an opinion not influenced by my selection of studies in a few minutes.

I'm sorry to sound so harsh. You have written some good things here. I am naturally skeptical of claims attached to "holistic" medications/products, and I think that claims related to products that are purchased require some evidence. I don't think that my position is particularly extreme or demanding.

I'm not trying to "score points", and I am fairly familiar with the related literature. I am not ignorant on this subject.

No worries, people should be skeptical. I was just saying that finding studies is not that hard nowadays and it's worth your time if you've got busted fingers from climbing and all your doctor tell you is "stretch more".

Not much has changed in the last couple of months, though I realized that "swelling" might not have been the right word, since it's less swelling around my middle finger joints but actually bony bumps that have grown. I'm not sure if this makes a difference in terms of treatment...but it can't be a good thing, right?

Any advice on a type of specialist I should see to check this out? GP and then referral? Rheumetologist? Hand specialist?

I've been at this for 40 years now, I can't begin to express how much diet (get rid of bread/sugar in particular) affects you. Especially if you have artritus like most of us have. I started out feeling just like you describe.

So, rest, diet, ice. That's all I have. Good luck.

wait, one more, climbing cracks outside is much easier on your joints than crimping and gym type climbing. 2 weeks ain't enough rest from gym climbing, but you may be good to go for cracks, just take it easy for a while.